The Ancient Law by Ellen Glasgow

The novel revolves around the life of a young actress, Virginia Pendleton, who rises to fame on the New York stage during the early 20th century. Born into poverty in a small Virginia town, Virginia's natural talent and determination propel her upward through the theatrical ranks. As she gains recognition, she must confront the harsh realities of her profession, including the objectification of women and the corrupting influence of wealth and fame. Throughout the novel, Glasgow explores themes of identity, class, and gender, as well as the tensions between artistic expression and commercial success.

By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1908 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary · 40 chapters

Contents

• THE ROAD
• IN WHICH A STRANGER APPEARS
• THE RETURN TO LIFE
• THE INWARD LIGHT
• THE NIGHT
• ORDWAY COMPROMISES WITH THE PAST
• HIS OWN PLACE
• AT TAPPAHANNOCK AGAIN
• THE RETURN TO TAPPAHANNOCK
• A CHANGE OF LODGING
• THE OUTWARD PATTERN
• ALICE'S MARRIAGE
• THE DREAM OF DANIEL SMITH
• SHOWS THAT A LAUGH DOES NOT HEAL A HEARTACHE
• THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT
• THE POWER OF THE BLOOD
• AT TAPPAHANNOCK
• TREATS OF A GREAT PASSION IN A SIMPLE SOUL
• THE WILL OF ALICE
• THE HOUSE OF DREAMS
• THE PRETTY DAUGHTER OF THE MAYOR
• IN WHICH BAXTER PLOTS
• THE IRON BARS
• THE ULTIMATE CHOICE
• SHOWS THE GRACES OF ADVERSITY
• SHOWS THAT POLITENESS, LIKE CHARITY, IS AN ELASTIC MANTLE
• THE VISION AND THE FACT
• FLIGHT
• "TEN COMMANDMENT SMITH"
• THE TURN OF THE WHEEL
• THE WEAKNESS IN STRENGTH
• THE END OF THE ROAD
• THE OLD AND THE NEW
• AT THE CROSS-ROADS
• THE LIGHT BEYOND
• HIS NEIGHBOUR'S GARDEN
• BETWEEN MAN AND MAN
• BULLFINCH'S HOLLOW
• BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN
• A STRING OF CORAL

More by Ellen Glasgow

• The Past (1920)
• The Deliverance (1904)
• The Battle Ground (1902)
• Life and Gabriella (1916)
• The Wheel of Life (1906)
• One Man in His Time (1922)
• The Voice of the People (1900)
• The Miller of Old Church (1901)
• All works by Ellen Glasgow